Where would you like to sign in?

Neighbor Brigade Appoints Stephanie Wolk Lawrence Executive Director

Fast-Growing Non-Profit Adds Manikas to Its Board and Launches New Chapters in Lynnfield, MA and Dover, NH

BOSTON, MA--(Marketwire - Mar 5, 2013) - Following the loss of its beloved founder Pamela Manikas Washek in December, the board of directors for non-profit Neighbor Brigade (www.neighborbrigade.org) announced today it has tapped Lexington-native Stephanie Wolk Lawrence as its new executive director to help carry forward the organization's mission of "neighbors helping neighbors."

Additionally, the board proudly welcomed Washek's brother Paul Manikas as a new board member to play an active role in guiding the organization forward. Neighbor Brigade continues to grow rapidly, adding two new chapters this month in Lynnfield, Mass. and Dover, N.H.

Lawrence first joined Neighbor Brigade nearly a year ago as founder and head of the organization's Lexington Chapter, which alone has more than 175 volunteers. During the past year, she worked closely with Washek to expand Neighbor Brigade's network through community outreach to hospitals and foundations. In her new role, Lawrence will work closely with the board to support the organization's 30+ statewide Chapters and further its growth across New England.

"I believe so strongly in the mission Pam championed: that every town should have a ready-made network of support to help when sudden illness, loss or other tragedy strikes a neighbor," said Lawrence. "When I read Pam's story of how friends and neighbors rallied to support her family as she battled cancer, it resonated so powerfully with my own, and I knew I had to get involved. It's an honor and a privilege to be a part of moving Neighbor Brigade's cause forward."

More on Stephanie LawrenceOver the course of her career, Lawrence has worked in the charitable, public, and nonprofit sectors, including positions with Chase Manhattan Bank's Corporate Philanthropy Division, Massachusetts' Department of Social Services, and Minuteman Senior Services. She holds a Master's degree in Public Policy and Administration from Columbia University and a BA from Tufts University. Lawrence currently resides in Lexington with her husband and four daughters.

More on Paul ManikasPaul Manikas joined Neighbor Brigade's eight-person board of directors in January. Currently a sales executive with Microsoft, Manikas brings 30 years of business experience within the Information Technology industry. As a cancer survivor and brother of founder Pamela Washek, Manikas is personally committed to fulfilling Pam's vision of making Neighbor Brigade a national organization.

ABOUT NEIGHBOR BRIGADENeighbor Brigade is a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation that steps in to help when families or individuals are experiencing a temporary crisis. A Neighbor Brigade chapter is founded and coordinated by a dedicated leader, the chapter leader, who builds and manages the community-based volunteer network. Volunteer networks efficiently schedule and provide the necessary services for their neighbors in need, including meals, rides and household errands. There are no eligibility requirements for recipients, who may self-refer. Neighbor Brigade is immediate, efficient and free, and, better yet, it's neighbors helping neighbors, facilitating and strengthening connections within a community. To learn more, visit www.neighborbrigade.org.